Apple of has ordered M5 chips from TSMC processors for future devices, according to a new report in Korean from The Elec.
The M5 series is expected to feature an improved ARM architecture and will be manufactured on TSMC's advanced 3nm process technology. Apple's decision not to choose TSMC's more advanced 2nm process for the M5 chip is primarily due to cost.
Despite this choice, the M5 will offer significant improvements over the M4, mainly thanks to the adoption of TSMC's System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology.
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This 3D chip stacking approach improves thermal management and reduces current leakage compared to traditional 2D designs. Apple has expanded its partnership with TSMC for its next hybrid SoIC package, which also combines carbon fiber thermoplastic composite technology. The package entered small-scale test production in July.
Apple's upcoming M5 chip is expected to bring significant performance and efficiency improvements to a variety of devices. Production could begin as early as the second half of 2025, with the first M5-equipped devices shipping by the end of next year or early 2026. If Apple maintains its typical upgrade cycle for its custom chips, we expect the following:
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- iPad Pro: M5 chips could appear in devices in late 2025 or early 2026.
- MacBook Pro: Models with M5 chips expected in late 2025.
- MacBook Air: M5 versions may arrive in early 2026.
- Apple Vision Pro: An updated version of the headset with the M5 chip is expected from fall 2025 to spring 2026.
Reports purportedly related to Apple's M5 chip have already been spotted in the company's official code. According to reports, thanks to the dual-purpose SoIC design, Apple plans to implement the M5 chip in its AI server infrastructure, thus enhancing AI capabilities in both consumer devices and cloud.
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The current report confirms Apple's continued reliance on TSMC as its exclusive chip manufacturing partner. The Taiwanese foundry was instrumental in Apple's successful transition from Intel processors , which began in 2020, with the company unable to produce its custom chips without TSMC's advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Source: macrumors
